RM to Vanila network

[AlexHughesOk]

Hey guys,

 

We are currently an RM network, but we want to move over to a Vanilla network for several reasons.

 

If you have any programs, packages, etc which you think may be helpful then please post.

 

We are going to be doing this in the summer time June-August and any help would be great

 

Thanks Alex,

[TechMonkey]

I hope this post doesn't signify the start of the project or the start of investigation!

 

I did this in a previous department about 2 years ago. Effectively started the summer before to tender for new hardware as we were going to virtual as well. Had all hardware in place by February and then from Feb till September I was getting the new domain up, new servers, testing, creating new profiles, packaging essential software and working out kinks. Summer was used for rebuilding the machines and transferring all resources and files across.

 

We used a KACE box but you will need some kind of imaging/deployment solution and application packaging/deployment software. If you have EES then SCCM will be pennies but has a hard learning curve. Spend some time on finding a good user creation tool/script/process, there are plenty listed on here. Document it and use it each year.

 

Biggest thing I woudl say is going to be your GPOs and managing your staff expectations. We made sure it was well published what was happening and what people could expect when they got back (computers, printers, some bugs essential software). Make sure you have backing of management and any whines or demands get batted to them. You will be far too busy.

 

Final thought is I hope you aren't on your own. I had a technician to sort the day to day and my boss was playing interference during critical points to allows us to get on and see things through.

 

Good luck!

[halbaradkenafin]

Look into MDT for imaging and deployment as it's free and very easy to use.

 

We went through the process last summer (I started when it was almost complete) and the network manager here had been planning for months for all the details etc. If you've got the hardware then getting your new domain up and running with test accounts and GPOs will save you a lot of problems in September as you'll have plenty of time to test everything and figure out all the little problems (there will still be others once staff get their hands on it).

 

I'll second what @TechMonkey says, get the backing of management and let staff know that September will be a bit tough on everyone with the changes but it shouldn't effect their experience too much. Getting them to report even the smallest things (through a helpdesk system preferably) so you can fix them when you get time would be extremely helpful for everyone.

 

If you've got any queries about the process or want to bounce ideas off anyone then I'm sure there are more than a few of us on here who've been through the process and can look over things and give you some helpful advice/feedback if you want it.